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Posted: 3/3/26
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Wondering if ILIA Beauty is worth it? Here’s my honest ILIA Beauty review, including an in-depth look at the ingredients, realistic before and after photos, and which products are actually worth it.
I’ve tried a lot of clean beauty brands in the last decade. And as someone who genuinely loves makeup, I’ve spent more money than I’d like to admit on products that didn’t live up to the hype. One brand that has consistently stayed ahead of the curve with innovative formulations is ILIA Beauty.
ILIA Beauty launched in 2011 when clean beauty was still new and largely defined by ingredient avoidance rather than product performance. Since then, the brand has continued to excel by listening closely to consumer feedback and refining formulas to better meet modern expectations.
I’ve had a handful of ILIA products in my makeup bag for years that I love, but this year I decided to expand my collection. I purchased many of ILIA’s current best sellers, from Eye Shadow and Complexion Sticks to the fan-favorite Multi-Stick, and wore them regularly to see how they perform long term.
Every ILIA Beauty product in this review was purchase with my own money, so you’re getting my honest, unfiltered opinion. Here’s my take on what’s worth it, what you should skip, and how to know what’s right for you.
PS: If you’re looking for a promo code, ILIA does 10% off your first order here. And here are the free gifts with purchase ILIA is offering right now!
Jump to:
What is Ilia Beauty?
ILIA Beauty is a clean beauty brand best known for creating skincare-powered makeup. The company focuses on blending active skincare ingredients with makeup to nourish the skin.
ILIA Beauty was founded in 2011 by Sasha Plavsic, who was motivated by her own skin struggles to create high-performing makeup made with safe and effective ingredients. The first product ILIA produced was the Tinted Lip Conditioner, which instantly became a hit. Since then, the company has focused on creating highly-pigmented multipurpose makeup that provides a natural, “no-makeup” look.
ILIA Beauty is based in Laguna Beach, California and is committed to thoughtful formulation, transparency, and sustainability. ILIA is Leaping Bunny Certified and a member of 1% For the Planet. Their mission is to protect and revive the skin through safe, potent, and ethical skincare-powered makeup. The products are currently sold in over 15 countries, primarily through major retailers and their website.
Is ILIA Beauty a Clean Brand?
Yes. Based on my extensive review of ILIA Beauty’s ingredients, the brand exceeds typical clean beauty standards.
ILIA Beauty only uses ingredients that meet strict safety guidelines, including natural and organic ingredients, active botanicals, and safe synthetics. All of the products are free of known endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, coal tar, talc, BHA/BHT, propylene glycol, retinols, PEGs, and synthetic fragrance. This matters because the FDA currently only regulates 11 chemicals in cosmetic products.
ILIA also tests its products for heavy metals. This is especially important with color cosmetics because they are more likely to be contaminated with lead. Currently, the FDA an EU do not require any testing to prove products meet recommended safety standards, so it’s up to brands to take the extra step to prove safety. The company does their testing internally, and every ingredient is supported by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from ingredient suppliers.
Transparency
ILIA Beauty demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency on its website. Full ingredient lists are easy to find on each product page and don’t require you to download separate PDFs or dig through fine print.
ILIA clearly identifies when fragrance is used and does not use undisclosed fragrance or proprietary blends. The brand also provide detailed information about formula decisions, ingredient sourcing, and sustainability efforts through its website and educational content. This helps consumers better understand what they’re putting on their skin.
Customer reviews are published directly on product pages, including positive and negative feedback. The reviews are not automatically sorted best to worst, which can be misleading to consumers.
While ILIA does not publish a single, comprehensive “ban list,” they’re transparent about what they choose to include and leave out since clean beauty is not a regulated term. They also answer many FAQs about sourcing, ingredients, and sustainability through their Help Center.
Is ILIA makeup good for sensitive skin?
Yes, ILIA Beauty is great for people with sensitive skin. The formulas are gentle, fragrance-free, and formulated without common irritants. I’ve personally experienced irritation and eyelid dermatitis from other clean makeup brands, so I’m cautious about what I use around my eyes. With ILIA, I haven’t had any reactions, redness, or flare-ups, even with regular use.
Who ILIA Works Best For (And who should skip it)
If you prefer a natural, radiant finish and like makeup that doubles as skincare, ILIA is a strong fit. The formulas are lightweight, comfortable, and well-suited for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin.
ILIA is also a good option for people who value transparency, but don’t want an overly restrictive or “crunchy” approach to clean beauty. If you appreciate brands that focus on ingredient safety, testing, and performance, ILIA strikes a solid balance.
That said, ILIA may not be the best choice if you prefer heavy coverage, ultra-matte finishes, or extended-wear makeup. It’s also not for consumers who prefer the strictest clean beauty standards and third party testing disclosure. In short, ILIA is a great middle ground for people who want clean makeup that delivers strong pigmentation without sacrificing everyday wearability.
What I’m Wearing: Super Serum Skin Tint (ST4), Complexion Stick (3W), Multi-Stick (In The Mood), Micro-Tip Brow Pencil (Dark Brown), Lightshift Cream Highlighter (Arc), Eye Shadow Stylus Sticks (Opulent, Gilded, and Nobel), Limitless Lash Mascara, and Color Block Lipstick (Amberlight).
Honest ILIA Beauty Review: What’s Worth It
ILIA Beauty has positioned itself as a leader in skin-centric clean makeup, and they stay true to this. The brand focuses on multi-use, easy-to-apply products, including foundations, concealers, blushes, bronzers, and eye and lip products, and has recently expanded into skincare.
From my experience, the products wear incredibly well and feel comfortable on the skin. I also love the wide range of shade and color options, especially compared to many clean beauty brands with limited offerings. I use many of the products daily because they perform better than anything I’ve tried to date.
Here is a comprehensive review of ILIA Beauty products and what I like most:
Super Serum Skin Tint
The Super Serum Skin Tint combines lightweight coverage with skincare benefits, giving skin a natural, even finish without feeling heavy.
The good:
- My skin looks absolutely stunning with this serum! It provides light to medium coverage. You can built more coverage by combining it with the Complexion Stick.
- I don’t love the feel of liquid foundation and it truly doesn’t feel like I’m wearing any.
- Plenty of shades and easy to match your skin tone. The names are odd—I’m wearing Formosa ST4.
- Great for all skin types. I feel like it does a great job of reducing the appearance of forehead lines for me!
- Contains safe, mineral zinc oxide that provides SPF 40.
The bad:
- This can appear too dewy if you don’t apply it correctly. I always apply this Primer first. Then I apply the skin tint in small strokes using the Buffing Brush. I give it a few minutes to dry, then dab concealer under my eyes with my finger. I highly recommend using a finishing powder to help it set.
Here’s the coverage that the Super Serum Skin Tint (ST4) and the Complexion Stick (Spruce 3W) together provides.
Limitless Lash Mascara
The Limitless Lash Mascara builds length and volume without clumping or flaking, giving lashes a lifted, defined look. It’s award-winning and a fan favorite!
The good:
- I am PICKY about mascara and this is one of my top picks! It adds length and volume, but doesn’t clump or feel heavy.
- My lashes are stick straight and it actually holds them curled.
- Great for sensitive skin—I have very sensitive eyes and this works great for me.
- No flaking.
The bad:
- The wand isn’t my favorite. It’s a little thick and doesn’t narrow at the tip, so it’s harder to apply on the lower lash. Even with this, I still love it!
Multi-Stick
The Multi-Stick is a creamy, blendable wash of color for your lips, cheeks, and eyelids. It’s an all-in-one product that adds the perfect touch of warmth in one simple swipe.
The good:
- The shades are spot on. They offer warmth with a touch of shimmer. I’m wearing In the Mood in my photos!
- The stick is the perfect size. Easy to hold and apply.
- Goes on easy and melts into the skin.
The bad:
- It can feel just a little sticky on the eyelids. I like to pat using my fingers, then give it a few seconds to dry before I open my eyes again.
Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks
The ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks are creamy eyeshadows that glide on smoothly and blend easily with minimal effort. They offer rich color that wears well throughout the day and are easy to apply for quick, everyday eye looks.
The good:
- Of my entire ILIA Beauty review, this is hands down my favorite product. The shades are gorgeous and there are many matte and shimmer shades. My favorite trio is Opulent, Gilded, and Nobel.
- Very easy apply and layer. Best of all, there’s no eyeshadow fallout!
- Long wearing. No smudging or creasing.
The bad:
- It takes a bit to learn how to blend it. I apply one shade at a time, and lightly tap with my finger to blend and thin out.
Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
The Skin Rewind Complexion Stick is a creamy concealer that smooths and brightens the under-eye area while covering blemishes without looking heavy or cakey.
The good:
- Good medium coverage. Evens skin tone and covers blemishes.
- The best under eye brightener!
- Melts onto skin and easy to apply. It’s long lasting and looks great on the skin.
- SO MANY SHADES!
The bad:
- It can get a bit hard in the winter. I like to warm it up in my pocket during the winter months, especially before applying it under the eyes.
Micro-Tip Brow Pencil
The Micro Tip Eyebrow Pencil has a fine tip that makes it easy to draw precise, hair-like strokes for natural, defined brows.
The good:
- Easy to make strong, precise strokes.
- The color is perfectly pigmented and long lasting. This is my second favorite product from ILIA.
- Goes on soft and smooth.
The bad:
- I honestly have nothing to say here!
Lightshift Cream Highlighter
The Lightshift Cream Highlighter adds a soft, dewy glow that catches the light without looking glittery or heavy.
The good:
- The shades are stunning and offer the perfect amount of shimmer. Powders can look overdone, this is just right.
- Goes on smoothly. The texture is so nourishing, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
- It’s very lightweight on the skin once it dries.
The bad:
- The best way I’ve found to apply this is with my finger, which some people may not like. This pairs well with the Sculpting Brush.
Color Block Lipstick
The Color Block Lipstick delivers rich color with a smooth, comfortable feel on the lips. The formula is designed to be hydrating and long wearing without feeling heavy.
The good:
- Easy to apply and glides on smoothly.
- Super hydrating. This never dries out my lips, even in the winter!
- Very pigmented—the colors are STUNNING.
- This is my favorite lip stick. I wear Amberlight daily.
The bad:
- As with most lip sticks, it needs to be reapplied a few times a day, specifically after eating or drinking.
Brushes
ILIA makeup brushes are soft, well-made, and easy to use. The bristles blend products smoothly without irritating the skin. They’re designed to work especially well with cream and liquid formulas.
The good:
- The brushes feel soft and light in hand
- They wash easily and return to their shape after drying.
- These pair really well with ILIA’s cream and liquid formulas. I love how ILIA tells you what brush to use on product pages.
- I love the Blending Brush the best! It works great for many things, including blending eyeshadow or applying concealer.
The bad:
- Price. Brushes are always an investment I have a hard time making.
What I Won’t Buy Again
- The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette: Love the performance of this palette, but the shades are meh. I love layering warm tones, but these were all too similar—mostly oranges and browns. There was no lighter shade to apply as a base and in the inner corners. Ultimately, there was only one shade I could see myself wearing regularly, so it was a bit of a bust for me.
- Fullest Volumizing Mascara: I am very much a mascara girl, and this one doesn’t offer much. It’s lightweight and doesn’t add a ton of volume. If that’s you’re vibe, you’ll love it! It also flakes quite a bit. I prefer the Limitless Lash Mascara instead.
- Liquid Powder Eye Tint: While the liquid goes on easily, it’s very hard to apply evenly. It ends up looking splotchy, faded, and creased, and it’s almost impossible to apply two different shades at once. After reviewing some of ILIA Beauty’s alternatives, I decide to grab the Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks. Get them, they’re amazing!
ILIA’s Makeup Coverage (Before and after in natural lighting)
Generally, ILIA leans more toward buildable medium coverage rather than full, heavy coverage. Most of their complexion products are designed to even out the skin and enhance your natural complexion, not fully mask it in one layer.
That said, coverage can be built by layering products or using concealer where needed, which works well for everyday wear. If you prefer a more natural, dewy finish, ILIA is a great option. If you’re looking for full glam, it may feel too lightweight.
Here’s my before and after of using the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint:
How ILIA Makeup Wears Throughout the Day
ILIA Beauty easily makes it through a normal day without falling apart. I’ve personally found the products have good wear through errands, work, and sweat, which is saying a lot since I have a healthy sweat rate. The formulas are lightweight and breathable, so instead of melting or becoming cakey, they tend to fade away gracefully.
On hotter days, the makeup does a great job staying put, especially when paired with a good primer and setting spray. The Complexion Stick and Eye Stylus Sticks don’t wear at all, whereas the lip products have to be reapplied regularly, mostly due to eating and drinking. If you need makeup that survives humidity and light sweat, ILIA is one of the better clean options I’ve tested.
FAQs
Does ILIA test for heavy metals?
Yes. ILIA does additional testing for heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and antimony. They have strict limits for heavy metals on finished products, and test lake dyes for lead since they’re more likely to be contaminated. Each ingredient comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COAs) from suppliers to help ensure safety limits are met.
Does ILIA makeup clog pores?
No, ILIA makeup is formulated to be non-comedogenic and doesn’t clog pores. Many of their products use lightweight, skin-friendly ingredients that sit comfortably on the skin. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so if you’re especially prone to breakouts, patch testing first is always a good idea.
Why does the makeup smell different?
I know exactly what you’re talking about. ILIA makeup smells a little different because it doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance. Instead of masking the formula with perfume, you may notice the natural scent of the ingredients themselves, like plant oils, butters, or botanical extracts. The smell isn’t strong, and in my experience, it fades quickly once the product is on the skin.
Is ILIA Beauty safe for pregnancy?
Yes, ILIA Beauty is generally considered safe for pregnancy. The brand formulates without known harmful ingredients. As always, if you’ve got special circumstances or want more info, it’s best to check with a trusted medical practitioner.
Does ILIA have a promotion code I can use?
Yes, ILIA offers promo codes and discounts. You can get 10% off your first order here by entering your email at the bottom of the page. ILIA also regularly allows you to claim free gifts with purchase here. And they have a VIP program, which I highly recommend joining. You get free gift certificates, free shipping, and gifts with purchase. I’ve earned a lot with the program!
Is ILIA Beauty Worth It?
100% yes. After reviewing the products and brand, here’s why I think ILIA Beauty is worth it:
- Easy swaps: ILIA Beauty makes it easy to replace conventional makeup with cleaner options without overhauling your routine.
- Variety: ILIA’s strength is variety. They have a ton of makeup products and a plethora of gorgeous shades. This is the biggest plus for me!
- Fair pricing: Prices are in line with other clean makeup brands and reasonable for the quality and performance.
- Thoughtful ingredients: They use carefully selected, skin-supportive ingredients and avoid many common irritants found in conventional makeup. I love that ILIA doesn’t use fragrance as it’s often a problem for people with sensitive skin.
- Transparency: Full ingredient lists are clearly disclosed, and the brand is open about testing and safety standards.
- Effective: From my experience, the products apply easily, wear well throughout the day, and feel comfortable on the skin.
Final Thoughts
My review of ILIA Beauty comes after years of research and testing. I’ve tried plenty of clean makeup brands in the last decade, and so many of them fall short on performance. ILIA has been one of the few brands that checks both boxes for me: clean ingredients and makeup that actually works day to day.
I consistently reach for the products because they are easy to use, easy to apply, and comfortable on the skin. I also love the variety of products and shade options. At the end of the day, I want makeup that looks good and feels good, and ILIA delivers the look I want.
I also appreciate the transparency around ingredients and testing, which makes me feel confident using the products regularly. If you’re new to ILIA, start with one of the products I reviewed above, and you’ll likely see positive results!
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